Bertie Ahern was in New York this week to discuss progress on the Bougainvile peace process with the UN Secretary General Mr António Guterres

Bertie Ahern was in New York this week, 2 July 2019, to discuss progress on the Bougainvile peace process with the UN Secretary General Mr António Guterres. Earlier this year the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Bougainvile agreed to hold a referendum later this year on whether the people of Bougainvile should pursue Greater Autonomy or full independence from Papua New Guinea. Mr. Ahern stressed the need to begin focusing on the post referendum process of maintaining the peace and creating opportunities for economic and social development in the region.

As part of his visit he also met Representatives from Australia, New Zealand, as well as the European Union who are engaged in the Bougainvile process. He paid tribute to the UN organisations who are involved on a permanent basis on the ground assisting the process of reconciliation and political Dialogue and urged all concerned to continue this work. Mr. Ahern met with Irish Representative, Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason and heard first hand of Ireland’ efforts in assisting people and communities involved in conflict around the world. He wished her well in Ireland’s efforts to secure a seat on the Security Council and spoke of the Contribution that Ireland had made to Peace and Security during previous periods when we occupied and seat on the council.